Module 4. Types of computers

Lesson 1

ВИВЧЕННЯ ТЕРМІНОЛОГІЇ ЗА ТЕМОЮ МОДУЛЯ

Exercise 1. Listen as you read the text. Find out the meaning of the words you don’t understand.

The most common type of computer nowadays is personal computer (PC). This term refers to any independent (stand-alone) computer fully equipped with its own central processing unit, memory, software, storage, and other utilities which make it useful for any individual to successfully accomplish tasks. The term ‘personal computer’ became popular in 1981 after IBM announced a computer whose model name was ‘IBM Personal Computer’. This term is now used generically, and very loosely.

Apart of personal computers, there are computers called ‘neurocomputers’ (the most powerful of computers), ‘supercomputers’, ‘mainframes’ (an industry term for a large computer - the main computer built into a frame), ‘superminicomputers’, ‘minicomputers’, ‘microcomputers.’ Within each type are several divisions. For example, within the microcomputer range are personal computer systems, desktop computers, portable computers, laptops, and notebook computers.

Personal computers are complete business tools. They were introduced to help users break away from the mainframe and minicomputer applications which did not give users any autonomy. Local area networking and then Internet have brought back the cohesion, but still allow users independence and flexibility when choosing applications.

Modern industrial computers being produced since 1971 are considered as fourth generation computers. Many advances in the science of computer design and technology are coming together to enable the creation of fifth-generation computers. Two such engineering advances are parallel processing, which replaces single central processing unit design with a system controlling the power of many CPUs to work as one. Another advance is superconductor technology, which allows the flow of electricity with little or no resistance, greatly improving the speed of information flow. Computers today have some attributes of fifth generation computers. For example, expert systems assist doctors in making diagnoses by applying the problem-solving steps a doctor might use in assessing a patient's needs. It will take several more years of development before expert systems are in widespread use.

Exercise 2. Answer the questions.

1) What modern types of computers do you know?

2) What companies first proposed personal computers?

3) What type of computer is the most versatile? Ground your point of view.

4) What are the ways of development of modern computers?

5) What are the applications of modern industrial computers?

6) What do you think can be considered as the first computer?

7) Who and when invented the first electronic computer?

Exercise 3. Complete the sentences.

1) PC is …

2) Parallel processing allows …

3) Notebook and laptop are …

4) Many people work at home and communicate with fellow workers via their …

5) … is smaller, less expensive, and easier to use than other classes of computers, such as supercomputers, mainframe computers, and workstations.

6) Computers today …